Chennai: Tamil Nadu government will give away 1,000 specially designed three-wheelers for the disabled persons across the state during 2014.
The initiative, which was started in 2008 with just 400 vehicles, has been extended considering the growing mobility needs and livelihood awareness among the disabled persons. This was revealed by state commissioner for the disabled welfare V.Jeyakodi at the ‘Malala Awards’ function of the TN Handicapped Persons Federation Charitable Trust (TNHPFCT) to honour the disabled-friendly people and institutions in the city on Saturday.
Jeyakodi said the chief minister J. Jayalalithaa had asked the district collectors and senior officials to be deeply concerned about the needs of the disabled people and also hold regular grievances redress meetings for them.
“The Union government has recognised our state as the best performer in implementing schemes for the disabled persons. Voluntary organisations play a major role in implementation of government projects,” he said lauding the voluntary workers.
During the largely attended programme, Jeyakodi honoured Deccan Chronicle for the series of news reports on disabled persons. TNHPFCT volunteers recalled how several DC reports impacted their lives and contributed towards the uplift of the disabled people in the state.
Aruna Devi of the state forum for the rights of women with disabilities pointed out that it was DC, which had highlighted the need for extra time for the disabled students taking public exams.
Deccan Chronicle reports on violations against the disabled got quick response from the benevolent government, she said.
